The Manipur State Cabinet has approved the declaration of Kharungpat in Kakching district as a wildlife sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, covering 227 hectares, to protect migratory and resident bird species and promote eco-tourism.
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IMPHAL – The Manipur State Cabinet, in its meeting on April 16, 2026, chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, approved the declaration of Kharungpat in Kakching district as a wildlife sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The decision marks a significant milestone in the state's conservation strategy and is seen as a major step toward the long-term ecological protection of the wetland, which serves as a vital habitat and feeding ground for migratory birds.
The notification of the sanctuary has been an outcome of public demand led by local MLA Shri Usham Deben Singh, and was well supported by the Keirak United Development Association, Citizens' Association for Rural Development, Members of Wabagai Zila Parishad, and the South Tentha Youth Development Organisation.
The proposed Bird Sanctuary will cover an area of approximately 227 hectares, accounting for about 6.7 percent of the total wetland area. The sanctuary holds significant importance from a biodiversity standpoint, particularly for the conservation of both resident and migratory water birds. In the last bird census of 2023, approximately 69 bird species were recorded, of which around 40 percent were migratory.
However, the latest census of 2025 reported a shortfall in the number of migratory birds, which has become a matter of serious concern for the Government of Manipur. The primary reasons identified for this decline include loss of suitable habitat, disruption of roosting sites, and local disturbances. Taking note of these concerns and responding to public demand, the Government decided to notify Kharungpat as a Bird Sanctuary.
The Bird Sanctuary is also envisioned as an upcoming eco-tourism site by the State Forest Department. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Manipur, Anurag Bajpai, stated that the Department would facilitate development projects for the sanctuary in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India.
The Forest Department also plans to constitute an Eco-Development Committee involving local villagers to facilitate eco-tourism and livelihood activities in the area. The State Government views this as a people's project, combining government machinery with community participation for ecosystem conservation and livelihood promotion.
Bajpai noted that conservation of waterbirds is integral to wetland conservation. He cited Ramsar Conservation Criteria No. 5, under which a wetland may be considered internationally important — and designated a Ramsar Site — if it regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.
Bajpai extended his appreciation to the local MLA, Zila Parishad members, associations, clubs, villagers, and local administration, including the Deputy Commissioner, Divisional Forest Officer, and Range Forest Officer, for their support and efforts toward the conservation of the state's natural heritage.
In addition to the wildlife sanctuary notification, the cabinet meeting discussed and largely approved around 23 agenda items from various departments. Key decisions included recruitment rules for district programme managers, the establishment of the Manipur AYUSH Council, new regulations for allied and healthcare professionals, land allocation to Moirang College, introduction of cluster-based integrated farming systems, measures for improved waste management in line with National Green Tribunal directives, approval for recruitment to 85 posts in the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat, and amendments to the Election Commissioner of Manipur service rules.
